MacConkey Agar with Sorbitol

Catalog Number: AS-1284
 
MacConkey Agar with Sorbitol is a selective and differential medium primarily used for the isolation and identification of Enterobacteriaceae, including pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Sorbitol replaces lactose as the fermentable carbohydrate, allowing for the differentiation of sorbitol-fermenting and non-sorbitol-fermenting bacteria. Non-sorbitol fermenters, such as E. coli O157:H7, form colorless colonies, while other coliforms produce pink or red colonies due to acid production.
The medium’s selective properties come from bile salts and crystal violet, which inhibit Gram-positive bacterial growth, allowing Gram-negative bacteria to thrive. The neutral red pH indicator helps identify fermentation activity.
 
Applications:
Differentiates sorbitol-fermenting and non-sorbitol-fermenting bacteria.
Key in detecting and isolating E. coli O157:H7 in food, water, and clinical samples.
 
Storage:
Store the container at 15-30°C. Prepared medium should be stored at 2-8°C.